Car registration is mandatory whether you purchase a new or second-hand car to drive on the roads of UAE. Traffic authorities impose heavy fines on vehicles without registration. To avoid this, you must apply for car registration in the UAE as soon as you acquire your car. Moreover, it is essential to note that you need to renew your car registration every year.
To register your vehicle, you must have a few documents and essential information to navigate the registration process seamlessly. Thus, this guide will ensure that you are well-prepared to register your new or pre-owned car in the UAE.
New Car Registration Process
In order to register your new car, you will be required to submit essential documents to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website. Usually, if you buy a new car, the registration process and the paperwork are handled by the dealership. However, if that is not the case, you will need to learn the process to register your vehicle yourself. Moreover, having your car registered is mandatory if you want to get car insurance in Dubai.
Documents Required to submit
The following documents are required to submit to the RTA for a new car registration in the UAE.
- Original Emirates ID
- Passport (copy and original)
- Valid Driving License
- Traffic file
- Vehicle ownership certificate
- Valid car insurance certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank if the car financed
- Vehicle inspection certificate
- Sales agreement between the buyer and seller
Registration Process
Once the documents are ready, you will visit the RTA office in Dubai with the papers.
- You will fill out the registration form.
- Submit the documents.
- Pay the new car registration fee.
- Receive vehicle registration card and number plates.
- Receive expiry stickers and paste them on the rear number plate.
Cost of New Car Registration
In the UAE, the cost of registering a new light vehicle is AED 400. Meanwhile, private and public heavy transport vehicles are charged AED 500 to AED 750. The registration process takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, provided that you have all the required documents and your vehicle has been inspected at a certified testing center.
Apply on the RTA Website
Aside from visiting the RTA center, you can also register your new car on the RTA website online. Registering your new car online is a simple and easy process. All you need to do is log in to the RTA website, upload the documents, and transfer the required registration fee online. Later, you will receive the documents, including the registration card, number plate, and expiry date stickers, within two days.
Types of License Plates
There are two types of number plates that you can choose from when registering your new car at the RTA center. If you want a short number plate, it will cost AED 35, and if you prefer a long plate, it will cost AED 50. Furthermore, the UAE offers a customized number plate with UAE design on it. This plate will cost you AED 200.
Apart from these, you can also opt for a luxury number plate or a unique number plate for your new car. The price for these plates is AED 500. You can check the availability and details of the number plates on the RTA website.
Also Read: How to Buy a New Car in Dubai – Guide
Used Car Registration Process
The pre-owned car registration process is slightly different and requires additional documents. To register a used car to your name, make sure it is previously registered in the Emirate of your residence. Also, both seller and buyer must visit the RTA center to complete the registration process.
Documents to Submit
- Original Emirates ID (seller and buyer)
- Buyer’s passport copy
- Driving license (buyer)
- Vehicle inspection report
- Traffic file
- Vehicle ownership certificate
- Car insurance certificate
- Vehicle registration car / Mulkiya from the seller
The cost for the used car registration is AED 420, which you will pay after submitting the documents mentioned above to the RTA center. Moreover, to open a traffic file, you will pay an additional AED 220 amount to open a traffic file and AED 350 for vehicle ownership. Besides, if your car requires retesting, then the cost of re-inspection is AED 170.
Also Read: How to Buy a Used Car in the UAE?
Renewal of Car Registration
Car registration has an expiry date that needs to be renewed after every 12 months. If the registration of the car is delayed, then a fine of AED 20 will be charged every month. To renew your car registration, you must clear the outstanding fines of your car and then apply for the renewal. The cost for the renewal of registration is AED 380, which needs to be paid every year.
Note: Driving an unregistered vehicle in Dubai is illegal. If the car is not registered or the registration is invalid, you will be fined AED 400 within three months.
Moreover, the car license plate can be detected through cameras, and upon expiry, four black points and a heavy fine are added to your traffic file. The vehicle will also be impounded if the registration is not done after three months of buying the car.
Documents for Renewal
- Renewed car insurance
- Previous vehicle registration card
- Retest of vehicle certificate
- Driving license
- Emirates ID copy
Conclusion
Registering your car in Dubai can be easy if you have all the necessary documents and are well-informed about the process. This guide provides the guidance and documents required to register your vehicle seamlessly, enabling you to drive your new car in compliance with the laws and regulations of transport in Dubai. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and enjoy a hassle-free car registration experience.
